Background of Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibody

MAG (myelin associated glycoprotein) is a Adhesion molecule in postnatal neural development that mediates sialic-acid dependent cell-cell interactions between neuronal and myelinating cells. Preferentially binds to alpha2,3-linked sialic acid. Isoform L-MAG is critical for the formation of myelin in the CNS, whereas isoform S-MAG is sufficient to maintain the integrity of myelin in PNS. Binds to RTN4R. single-pass type I membrane protein. Expressed by myelinating glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous system. Detected in oligodendrocyte processes before formation of compact myelin. Restricted to the periaxonal space after myelination. Isoform S-MAG is the predominant isoform in CNS and PNS of the adult. In CNS isoform L-MAG is the major form synthesized early in development, and it persists as a significant proportion of the MAG present in the adult. In the PNS isoform L-MAG is expressed at modest levels during development; it is absent in the adult. Belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. SIGLEC (sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin) family.